LANSING – The Michigan Senate Energy and Technology Committee is expecting quick movement on legislation that would further deregulate the state’s telephone industry.
The bill (HB 4314 ) is expected to see a few changes based on discussions between the various parties, but the main thrust of considering wireless and voice over Internet protocol as competitors to traditional telephone service and eliminating the current required service would remain.
The primary changes, based on discussions in committee on Tuesday, would surround clarifying the powers of the Public Service Commission, particularly as it relates to overseeing relations between providers.
Sen. Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek), chair of the committee and a key player in the 2005 rewrite of the law, said he expected to report the bill, in a substitute that would include the amendments all the providers and customer groups agreed to as well as some promoted by committee members, next week.
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